USA and UCLA Swimming Teams Suffer Loss of a Crucial Member Due to Unfortunate Demise

A chiropractor from the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic might not seem like the kind of person you’d expect to see poolside at the Olympics, but sometimes life takes unexpected turns. He started with UCLA Swimming, eventually becoming a vital part of USA Swimming. Without ever competing, he found himself at the heart of the action, sharing space with Olympians and making an impact at the FINA World Swimming Championships. His career came full circle, representing both the medical community and the Stars and Stripes. A proud American story? Definitely. Sadly, though, the individual is no longer with us.

On January 13, USA Swimming’s X-handle announced the passing of Dr. Brian Campbell. Over the decades, he served as a massage therapist and chiropractor for the national team, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. USA Swimming’s heartfelt tribute expressed gratitude for his role in shaping their athletes’ success since the early 2000s.

Dr. Campbell was no stranger to the Olympic stage, contributing his expertise in 2004, 2008, and 2012. Before that, his career got a boost in 2001 as part of the support staff at the Goodwill Games. By 2002, Dr. Brian Campbell was on board for the Pan Pacific Championships in Yokohama, Japan, and his resume only grew from there. Between his Olympic appearances, he was a fixture at major events like the 2003 FINA World Championships, the 2007 World University Games, and even the World Championships in Australia.

His impact wasn’t confined to Team USA. Dr. Campbell’s career began to shine during his time in college sports. Dr. Brian Campbell became an integral part of the UCLA Bruins’ support staff, working with not just swimming and diving but also gymnastics, basketball, golf, tennis—you name it. He was a behind-the-scenes hero, helping athletes achieve their best across multiple disciplines.

One standout collaboration was with Cyndi Gallagher, a college swimming legend. Together, they formed a dynamic duo, leading the Bruins to success and teaming up at events like the 2007 World University Games. While Gallagher focused on strategy, Campbell worked his magic to keep the athletes healthy and ready to compete.

Beyond his work with teams, Campbell was an educator at heart. At the Touch Therapy Institute, he shared his expertise, teaching courses on anatomy, sports massage, deep tissue therapy, and more. He also led the sports massage team at the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic, mentoring the next generation of therapists. Now, those who knew him professionally and personally are left with a void, remembering not just his skills but the heart and passion he brought to every role he took on.

Some heroes trade medals for scrubs, and the swimming world won’t forget Dr. Brian Campbell

Dr. Brian Campbell played a quiet but vital role in those iconic Olympics where Michael Phelps stole the show. Behind the scenes, he worked closely with Phelps’ coach, Bob Bowman, ensuring the “Baltimore Bullet” was fit enough to dominate the pool. While Phelps racked up medals, Campbell worked his magic, keeping the champion ready for battle.

Now, 13 years later, those memories feel even more poignant as the swimming world mourns his loss. Coach Bowman captured the sentiment perfectly with a broken heart emoji under USA Swimming’s post. On Instagram, Amy Murry shared a carousel of joyful moments with the beloved coach, writing, “This guy. 💔 Brian Campbell, you brought so much joy to the pool deck and our work rooms. It won’t be the same without your signature technique.”

Amy also reminisced about the personal side of their relationship—his love for old music, classic movies, humor, and their thoughtful conversations. Despite being a big deal in his field, he remained humble, focused on his own path, and never sought the spotlight. In response, legends and rising stars of the sport joined the tribute. Leon Marchand commented, “A legend 💔,” while Bob Bowman once again shared, “The very best. Shared so many wonderful times with him. ❤️” Allison Schmitt added, “ALWAYS the best vibes ❤️❤️.” And it did not just stop there.

Alongside coach Bob Bowman, others like Jack Little, Gregg Parini, and Jeana Kempe stepped up to honor Dr. Brian Campbell’s memory. On X, they shared USA Swimming’s post, adding their own tributes. Kempe’s heartfelt note on Instagram captured the essence of Campbell’s impact. She said, “This man was one of the greatest of his craft and winners of being an amazing human. He listened, cared, motivated, and always had the right music playing 🎶. Knowing Brian as a student-athlete and later as a colleague…. What a blessing I have been given to have him around. I’ll miss my yearly table talks and the warm, bright smile and the best hugs. 🤍🤍.” These words perfectly capture the lasting mark Dr. Brian Campbell has left on everyone who knew him. Do you have a memory of him? Share it with us.